"The Last of Us Complete Surprises PS5 Users with Launch"

Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind iconic PlayStation franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted, has once again re-released its beloved series, The Last of Us, in a comprehensive bundle for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). Dubbed The Last of Us Complete, this all-in-one package was announced and launched today, offering players the definitive experience of both The Last of Us Part 1 (2022 remake) and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

The Last of Us Complete: Collector’s Edition - PS5

Priced at $109.99, the Collector’s Edition of The Last of Us Complete will be available for purchase starting July 10 exclusively at PlayStation Direct. This edition promises an immersive journey through the post-apocalyptic world that inspired the HBO TV series, featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay optimized for the PS5. "Experience the complete story that inspired the TV show with definitive versions of two award-winning games," the official description reads.

The bundle includes not only the mainline stories but also all the bonus content released over the years. This encompasses the Left Behind prequel DLC focused on Ellie, as well as The Last of Us Part 2’s No Return mode and Lost Levels content. For fans captivated by the HBO series starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the digital version of this all-encompassing bundle is available for $99.99.

In a PlayStation.Blog post, Naughty Dog's Head of Studio Neil Druckmann announced the launch of the physical Collector’s Edition, which comes with additional perks to justify its higher price. These include a Steelbook case, game discs, The Last of Us: American Dreams comics 1 – 4, four lithographic art prints, and a personal thank-you letter from Druckmann himself.

“From our entire studio, thank you so much for your incredible support for The Last of Us and Naughty Dog over the years,” Druckmann shared in his post. “This is such an exciting moment for both the franchise and our teams. We are so humbled by your personal stories of what the series has meant to you, have marveled at your incredible Photo Mode shots, and inspired to keep pushing ourselves forward to create more stories and worlds you’ll love.”

The Last of Us series initially debuted on the PS3 in 2013 and has since become a cornerstone of the PlayStation library. Despite its repeated re-releases and remasters, which have drawn both praise and criticism, the series continues to captivate gamers. The journey of Joel and Ellie was first enhanced for the PS4 in 2014, followed by a full remake for the PS5 in 2022. The Last of Us Part 2, released in 2020, received its own remaster earlier this year. Both titles have also made their way to PC, with The Last of Us Part 1 arriving in 2023 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered launching just last week.

The release of The Last of Us Complete coincides with the premiere of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 this Sunday, with Season 3 greenlit just yesterday. While some may question the need for yet another re-release, this comprehensive bundle offers fans a chance to relive the entire saga with the latest enhancements.

For those interested in the future of The Last of Us, fans are not expecting news on The Last of Us Part 3 anytime soon. However, Neil Druckmann and the team behind the series continue to explore new ways to expand the universe and tell compelling stories.